Financial advisors who specialize in pension rollover decisions.
Lump sum vs lifetime annuity. Joint-and-survivor elections. FERS and federal pensions. Corporate pension buyout windows. The decision that permanently shapes your retirement income — matched with advisors who've modeled hundreds of them.
The most consequential retirement decision you'll make once
At retirement or job separation, defined-benefit pension holders face a one-time choice that swings $100-500K of lifetime value:
- Take the lifetime annuity — guaranteed monthly income for life, usually with spouse-survivorship options at reduced rate.
- Take the lump sum — roll into an IRA, control the investments, leave any remainder to heirs.
There is no universal right answer. It depends on longevity assumptions, health, interest-rate environment, existing retirement savings, spousal considerations, and legacy goals. A wirehouse advisor pushing the lump sum has a conflict — they earn AUM fees only on rolled-over money. Fee-only advisors have no such incentive.
Specific situations we handle
- Corporate pension buyout windows. Ford, GM, Boeing, IBM, UPS, Procter & Gamble and others have offered time-limited lump-sum buyout programs. Deadlines are usually 60-90 days.
- Federal employees (FERS/CSRS). CSRS retirees face different math than FERS (which has 3-component benefit: pension + TSP + SS). Survivor election choices vary.
- Union pensions. Multi-employer plan dynamics, PBGC coverage questions, funding-status considerations.
- State/municipal pensions. DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) elections, inflation-adjusted vs. fixed benefits.
- Private-sector frozen pensions. Company froze the plan years ago; now you face the terminal decision.
- Early retirement windows. Laid-off or accepting a buyout at 55-60 — pension timing can shift.
Tools & guides
Lump Sum vs Annuity Calculator
NPV analysis of your two options, adjusted for longevity + interest rate + survivor assumptions.
Pension Rollover Decision Guide
Full framework — longevity, survivor, interest rate, employer-specific rules, tax efficiency.
Get your specific pension decision modeled
Fee-only advisor with no commission conflict models your actual numbers. Free match.